Brisbane Australia to Hanoi Vietnam

Overview




Have you ever dreamed of taking your kids to Vietnam? What would
your kids want to do on a two week comfortable tour of the key
attractions in Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh city?




The tour encompasses key highlights of Vietnam, starting from Hanoi
and finishing in Ho Chi Minh city. We explore the capital city of Hanoi
with a city tour which will enrich your experiences and understanding by
visiting its historic sites, busy shopping streets and cultural places.
Then we head to Halong Bay, a World Heritage site and take a cruise
boat in the spectacular Bay. Our vessel takes us to Limestone Mountains
and caves and lagoons, all combined to make up one of the world’s most
stunning landscapes. In Hue, we will explore the complex of royal
monuments listed as a World Heritage site, including the Forbidden
Purple Citadel, Ngo Mon gate. Close by is the once prosperous trading
port of Hoi An in the past. It is a well preserved Asian port of
cultural and economic exchanges between various countries. Heading to
Nha Trang, we enjoy a paradise on the beach, games at Vin Pearl
amusement park and visit a marine protected island to enjoy a snorkeling
and to discover colourful coral reefs. Our trip continues to busy and
bustling Saigon. We visit amusement parks and key historic sites
including Reunification Palace, War Remnants Museum and the fascinating
Notre Dame Cathedral. We then try to explore the stronghold of Cu Chi
tunnel, crawling through tiny path to experience a guerrilla life.
Throughout the tour your family will get to know cultural values and
traditions of destinations and indulge yourself into daily life of
visited communities while the children enjoy their games at amusement
parks.




Highlights


-       Enjoying games and entertainment activities at water and amusement parks


-       Visiting an orphanage centre in Hanoi to share and learn about family value 


-       Getting to know Hanoi’s rich cultural and historical values: its past and presence


-       Boat cruise through the limestone karsts of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Halong Bay


-       Exploring the Forbidden Purple Citadel and other UNESCO World Heritage listed monuments 


-       Feeling the past through ancient town of Hoi An: its unique architecture, art, silks


-       Enjoying an amateur scuba diving or snorkeling, discovering marine lives in Nha Trang


-       Appreciating Viet Nam longest tunnel at Cu Chi, seeing Saigon war remnants museum




Day 1: Flight from Brisbane to Hanoi


Go to the take you to the Brisbane International Airport for an
overnight flight to Singapore or Bangkok. From there you will take a
short flight to Hanoi, Vietnam. Your flight lands in Noi Bai
international airport, 30 kms from Hanoi city centre. Our car will pick
you up and transfer to a three star hotel in the Old Quarter. Depending
on your arrival time, we will arrange tour activities that are most
suitable. Once you have checked in, a short introductory meeting will
take place to welcome you, and inform of useful itinerary, advice,
preparations etc. Overnight in Hanoi Tirant Hotel or similar.




Day 2: Hanoi Attractions (Breakfast, Lunch)


We drive to Ho Chi Minh complex, spend a couple of hours to visit Ho
Chi Minh mausoleum, stilt-house residence, the Presidential Palace and
Ho Chi Minh museum.  We walk to the One Pillar Pagoda, the iconic
Buddhist temple of Vietnam. We continue to the Temple of Literature
originally built as a temple of Confucius. This is the site of the
Vietnam first university dating back to 1070. The Temple highlights the
importance of education. In the afternoon, we visit the Museum of
ethnology, the most interesting museum in Vietnam, showing the diverse
cultures of 54 ethnic groups in the country. Spend one hour at an
orphanage centre to share and learn from street kids. Overnight in Hanoi
Tirant Hotel or similar.









Day 3: Halong Bay cruise (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)


Halong Bay is known as a majestic and mysterious natural wonder.
Imagine that around 3000 or more incredible islands rising from the
emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin creating a breathtaking beauty. It
is a pure art, a priceless collection of unfinished sculptures given by
the nature. We take a four hour drive to Halong Bay before boarding on
our cruise boat. We will cruise through remarkable limestone formations
of Halong Bay. Children have the opportunities to enjoy a swim, visit to
stunningly beautiful grottos and do some kayaking. Overnight on the
cruise boat will be a memorable experience for your family. Overnight in
Calypso Cruise or similar.




Day 4: Halong Bay-Hanoi (Breakfast, Lunch)


In the morning, enjoy some guided Tai Chi exercise on the sundeck. We
continue sightseeing and cruising around Halong Bay, before turning to
the harbor and driving back to Hanoi. Take your own time to discover
Hanoi by night in the Old Quarter and enjoy few great ice creams. Take a
quick bite and board the night Reunification Express train to Hue.
Enjoy Vietnam by night along the railway including city and rural life.
Remember to buy some extra fruits and drinks to the train. Overnight in
Tourist train. 




Day 5: Hue Cultural Complex (Breakfast, Lunch)


Get off the train in the early morning, check in and have breakfast
in the hotel before starting discovering the former capital city of Hue,
a World Heritage site, well-known for its imperial city, relics, and
emperor tombs. We start with the imperial city where the last 13
Vietnamese emperors lived and reined the country: Ngo Mon gate, the
Forbidden Purple Palace, The Mieu Temple. We pass by rice field and
beautiful green hills to reach the tomb of Khai Dinh emperor. A
magnificent place that buried the king is seen as a symbol of glory
luxury lifestyle. Take a walk along the Perfume River to reveal a
special character of Hue people, something contrasting to Saigon and
Hanoi in social conversations and traditions.  Overnight in Hue Camellia
Hotel or similar.




Day 6: Hoi An Ancient Town (Breakfast)


After breakfast, we take a three hour drive to another World Heritage
site, Hoi An ancient city. Along the way our car passes by stunning
coastal scenery and Lang Co beach, a new tourist destination of the
central region. We continue driving through Da Nang city, a booming real
estate market and a trading port. We reach the ancient and historic
town of Hoi An which was for three centuries one of the most important
ports in Central Vietnam, visited by sailing ships from all over the
world seeking trade in silk, ceramics, spice etc. Have lunch on your
own. In the afternoon we have a half day walking tour to visit Japanese
covered bridge, Tan Ky Old hose, Phuc Kien Pagoda, Cham Museum and
Chinese Assembly Hall. Then get back for a great swim in Cua Dai beach.
The beach is clean, shallow and often calm. Enjoy seafood and local
delicacies by the beach or in a restaurant. In the evening we explore
this ancient city on foot or on rickshaw by your self. Overnight in Hoi
An Glory and Spa Hotel or similar.




Day 7: Hoi An- Nha Trang (Breakfast)


In the morning, we transfer to Da Nang airport to take the flight
VN1945 departing at 10.05AM. Get transferred to the hotel in Nha Trang
and have lunch on your own. Often referred to as one of the best bays on
earth, Nha Trang is stunning, beautiful, clean, with clear sky and
water. The afternoon is free at leisure. Overnight in Hanoi Golden Hotel
or similar.




Day 8: Nha Trang Paradise beach (Breakfast, Lunch)


In the morning, enjoy a private cruise boat to Tam Island, a small
island strictly protected by the Government (with support of Danida
Denmark). The cruise will provide opportunities to enjoy an amateur
scuba diving or snorkeling, discovering marine lives thanks to crystal
clear blue water. Visit an island and have lunch. Take a sun bed, start
enjoy fresh seafood with a cup of wine or beer. In the afternoon, we
continue visiting a village and an aquarium. Overnight in Hanoi Golden
Hotel or similar.




Day 9: Nha Trang (Breakfast)


The next day is all for children to enjoy games and entertainment
activities in water park and amusement park in Vin Pearl Island. Our car
and guide will take you to the resort, and kids will have their own
time by the pool, the water park with all kinds of games. Then walk to
the theme park and play thrilling games. All tickets are included.
Overnight in Hanoi Golden Hotel or similar.




Day 10: Nha Trang-Saigon Attractions (Breakfast)


We take an early flight to Saigon. Check in and have some free time,
then have your own lunch. In the afternoon, we start our half day city
tour by visiting the War Remnants Museum to discover one chapter of the
city, then head to Reunification Palace close by. Take a walk around Ben
Thanh Market, Notre Dame Cathedral and the central Post Office. Enjoy
some coffee and ice cream, or shopping along the streets of central
business districts. Overnight in Saigon Eden Hotel or similar.







Day 11: Cu Chi Tunnels (Breakfast, Lunch)


In the morning we will explore an incredible network of underground
tunnel designed and constructed to withstand fierce crack down of the
external forces, the Cu Chi tunnel. No word could describe it better
than experience it yourself. Children will crawl through narrow dirt
tunnels. Come and see how Viet Nam won the war. You’ ve got to
appreciate the talent of the country. Overnight in Saigon Eden Hotel or
similar.




Day 12: Amusement parks (Breakfast, lunch)


Today is a great day out for children. We visit Dam Sen water park
where children will have chance to enjoy all kinds of games and
entertainment activities. Parent also joins in the family fun sort of
things in the best theme park of Vietnam. In the late afternoon, we head
out to the airport for our flight VN 920 to Phnom Penh (16.15-17.00).
Check in and have free time at leisure. Overnight in Phnom Penh Hotel or
similar.




Day 13: Flight from Ho Chi Minh city to Brisbane (Breakfast)


Enjoy the family photo show and a coffee/ice cream, some shopping for
souvenirs for friends and relatives back home. In the late afternoon,
we will take you to the airport for a short flight to Singapore or
Bangkok. From there you will take an overnight flight back to Brisbane
international airport.  




If you are interested in finding out more about great deals and packages or more options for Vietnam holidays, contact Matthew at info@redcranetravel.com

Vietnam Holiday from Australia

Vietnam is an appealing destination for travelers with kids. This family tour is a great combination between visiting the highlights of the country from North to South to explore Hanoi City, Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An. Adults and kids will discover the daily life of Vietnamese people across the Vietnam key attractions and in rural areas such as Sapa and Mekong Delta.  

Highlights:


-       Fun with and enjoy interesting outdoor activities in water parks and amusement parks.


-       Enjoying famous historical places in the all over the country.


-       Seeing the real, living Vietnam and getting close to nature.


-       Having a pleasant swimming in the deep blue water in Ha Long Bay, Hoi An


-       Cruising on the romantic Perfume River to visit best-known religious sites in Hue.


-       Visiting colorful floating markets in the Mekong delta


-       Having clothes, shoes and hats measured in Hoi An


-       Getting excited at Saigon Zoo to see vegetation and animals.

Day 1 (Wed, 09 July): Hanoi Arrival

Your flight lands at Noi Bai International Airport from one of the
connecting hubs of Malaysia, Singapore or Thailand. Our private car and
tour guide will come and pick you up, transfer to the hotel right in the
Old Quarter of Hanoi. We will greet you and brief you of the detailed
itinerary before you are free to explore the Old Quarter. Overnight in
Hanoi Tirant Hotel.



Day 2 (Thu, 10 July): Hanoi City Tour (Breakfast, Lunch)

Let your kids explore Vietnam cultural values beginning from Hanoi
city. For early risers an early morning visit will be to the Sword Lake.
The lake is a hive of activity from 5am as the locals take exercise
around the lake, playing badminton, jogging, or practicing Tai Chi.
After breakfast, you’ll head back to the centre to Ho Chi Minh’s
Mausoleum- stern and bizarre attraction, Museum and Stilt House. Keep
going to the One Pillar Pagoda - one of Vietnam's most iconic temples.
After lunch, your family will drive to the Museum of Ethnology - a great
place to learn about Vietnam’s 54 ethnic-minority peoples. In the
afternoon, you and your kids will be very interested in some of Hanoi’s
famous ‘street food’ made and served by Vietnamese women in traditional
dresses. Spend some hours in the late afternoon by the pool of your
hotel. Overnight in Hanoi Tirant Hotel.



Day 3 (Fri, 11 July): Hanoi – Train to Sapa (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

The Temple of Literature - an ancient university with row upon row of
massive stone turtles inscribed with the names of graduates will be the
first point. It is the place Hanoi often organizes celebrations to
welcome most talented students who pass university entrance exams. Kids
will love taking photos of stone turtles. We have lunch at a local
restaurant. In the afternoon, we will visit West Lake theme Park where
your kids enjoy unlimited access to all interesting outdoor activities.
In the evening, we take the night train to Lao Cai. Overnight on
Victoria Train.



Day 4 (Sat, 12 July): Sapa Trekking Tour (Lunch)

Sapa - the Queen of the Mountains with a breathtaking valley, lofty
mountains, is the gateway to another world of mysterious minority
cultures and beautiful landscapes. Kids will love the chance to see the
real, living Vietnam and get closed to nature. After breakfast, we will
drive to one of the most beautiful villages of Lao Chai and Ta Van where
the Black H'mong and the Dzay people live. Here, your family will enjoy
fresh and cool air, fascinating landscape of the imposing mountain
ranges. You will discover world's most beautiful terraced rice fields,
visit some local family on the way and learn unique culture and life of
these ethnic minorities. Get back to Sapa by private car, free at
leisure for the rest of the day. Overnight in Sapa Victoria Resort.



Day 5 (Sun, 13 July): Sapa Ethnic Market Tour (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

The markets in the Northern Vietnam are always a spotlight for any
Sapa tour and are the colorful meeting places for hill tribes to sell
their products or just for catching up on the latest news, gossip, or
seeking for lover. In the morning, we will drive to visit one of the
weekly markets: Can Cau Market on Saturdays, Bac Ha Market on Sundays.
Kids will be not only excited about seeing the colorful traditional
customs of ethnic minority groups but also interested in buying some
souvenirs for their friends and loved ones. In the late afternoon, we
will come back to Lao Cai town to catch the night train back to Hanoi.
Overnight on Victoria train.



Day 6 (Mon, 14 July): Hanoi – Halong Bay Cruise (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

After picking you up from the train station, we will have a quick
shower and breakfast before a shared shuttle bus drives you to Halong
Bay - Vietnam most scenic sight, a recognized World Natural Heritage
Site and highlight of any tour of Viet Nam. At noon, we will get onboard
a traditional wooden boat, drink and feel the cool and comfortable
atmosphere on board while cruising through limestone formations. After a
relaxing break, enjoy an excellent seafood lunch. Then we will visit
the wonderful Ha Long bay’s famous grottoes and caves. An opportunity
for kids to dive off the boat and have a pleasant swimming in the deep
blue water of the East Sea before lying on the sundeck and view a Halong
sunset. Dinner is serviced on board with delicious fresh seafood.
Overnight on Calypso boat.



Day 7 (Tue, 15 July): Halong Bay - Hanoi & Flight to Hue (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Halong Bay is known as a majestic and mysterious natural wonder.
Imagine that around 3000 or more incredible islands rising from the
emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin creating a breathtaking beauty. It
is a pure art, a priceless collection of unfinished sculptures given by
the nature. It is absolutely wonderful when you get up early to catch
the sunrise on the bay, do some Ta Chi exercises on the sundeck and
relax with a cup of hot coffee or tea when the boat cruises to explore
more and more about Halong Bay. All leaves your family with a full sweet
memory. Your kids will love taking beautiful photographs and play in
the fresh water. Come back to Halong city at around 13PM for the
transfer back to Hanoi airport before flying to Hue with Vietnam
airlines departing at 20.30PM. Overnight in Camellia Hue hotel.



Day 8 (Wed, 16 July): Hue City Tour (Breakfast, Lunch)

Traveling to Hue city is like going back in time. Known as
an ancient capital city of many original historical vestiges with more
than 100 architectural works to be extremely reflecting the life of
Emperors and Mandarins under Nguyen’s reign, Hue city has become major
tourist attractions for visitors from all over the world. Between
8.30-9.00AM, our tour starts in Imperial Citadel where the kids can
dress up as the Emperor and Empress with new and enjoyable feelings.
After that, we will sit on the board cruising on the romantic Perfume
River and visit Hue's best-known religious sites such as Thien Mu Pagoda
and the elaborate and enchanting mausoleum of emperors Khai Dinh – the
famous Emperor of the Nguyen dynasty. Overnight in Camellia Hue hotel.



Day 9 (Wed, 17 July): Hue – Hoi An (Breakfast, Lunch)

After breakfast, we will drive to Hoi An -  a major Asian trading
port in the 17th and 18th centuries whose architecture and relaxed
lifestyle hasn’t changed much over the years. We will drive to pass
through the village of Lang Co Beach before crossing over the famous Hai
Van Pass to enter Da Nang where we will visit the Cham Museum - the
finest collection of Cham sculptures in the world. Then we will take the
ocean exit highway to Hoi An. After checking in our hotel, we will have
lunch and relax at local restaurant. In the afternoon, we will visit
famous attractions including Japanese Bridge, Chinese Assembly Halls,
tailor shops and local pottery shops. Your family will then have long
hours by the amazing Cua Dai Beach. Kids will love and play around this
pristine beach and it is a charming experience. Walking through the
white sand of the beach is awesome. The environment here is very
peaceful and relaxing. Overnight in Hoi An Glory and Spa hotel.



Day 10 (Thu, 18 July) Hoi An Bicycle Tour (Breakfast)

A free morning is for your family to get lazy a bit in the hotel.
Then in the afternoon, we will take a bicycle tour to rural villages
across the Thu Bon River. Enjoy the fresh air and peacefulness of the
countryside which grows different kinds of vegetables and fruits. We
will explore the local life patterns in the villages which often
provided supplies to merchants some centuries ago. Kids will love taking
photos of water buffaloes, rural houses and paddy rice fields. Get back
to the city to enjoy some shopping in this city, which is often
referred to as the shopping haven. Get back to the hotel and stay by the
pool, or go to the beach and get laid back. Overnight in Hoi An Glory
and Spa hotel.



Day 11 (Fri, 19 July): Hoi An – Flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Breakfast)

Morning is at your leisure. After lunch on your own, we will transfer
your family to the airport for the flight with Vietnam airlines to Ho
Chi Minh city. Arrive at Tan Son Nhat airport, welcome by our tour guide
and driver, we will transfer to your hotel in the CBD. Nowhere does one
feel the dynamic changes occurring in Vietnam more than in Ho Chi Minh
City, formerly Saigon. This city exists in most people's minds as an
exciting, exotic part of the lure of Southeast Asia. Let spend the
evening at your own schedule to discover Ho Chi Minh with its
magnanimous history and a rich culture. Overnight in Saigon Eden hotel.



Day 12 (Sat, 20 July): Ho Chi Minh City Tour (Breakfast, Lunch)

Depart from our hotel for the Reunification Palace, the former
Presidential Palace for the president of the South Vietnam. We will stop
at the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Saigon Old Post office to get our
good shots for our memory of the biggest city in Vietnam. Our delicious
lunch will be served at a nice restaurant in the central city. In the
afternoon, your kids will be interested and excited at Saigon Zoo to see
vegetation and animals. There are approximately 130 animal species
which are living at Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens. It is worth noting
that most of the species is listed in the Redbook of Vietnam and the
World. Some valuable and rare animals include Asian Tiger, Golden Cat,
Yellow - checked Gibbon, Asian Elephant, etc. Overnight in Saigon Eden
hotel.



Day 13 (Sun, 21 July): Mekong Delta day trip (breakfast, Lunch)

At approximately 8AM, we will leave Saigon for the town of Cai Be
town (80 kms away) in the Mekong Delta to take a private river boat trip
on our luxurious Cai Be Princess Cruise. This journey cruises through
floating markets, rice fields, fruit plantations and so on along a
densely connected network of rivers and canals. An absolutely amazing
view of a totally flat, low-lying delta that seems to have no have no
boundary will bring you an immense feeling of this region. Get laid back
on a luxurious private boat that cruises through canals and rivers. Get
back to the city in the late afternoon. Overnight in Saigon Eden Hotel.



Day 14 (Mon, 22 July): Ho Chi Minh Departure (Breakfast)

Today we are free at leisure for last minute shopping then check-out
around noon and take the flight out of Vietnam.  Relax for some hours in
connecting hub before taking the flight back to Australia.



Contact: Matthew at info@redcranetravel.com